The Resume Store's GET-A-JOB Blog

“Been there, done that”

Editorial by Arnie Sherr, President and CEO - The Resume Store November 25, 2011

I suppose the question pondered by many seeking the guidance of counselors may be, “do you really understand that with which I struggle day to day?  As an employment counselor, questions asked are critical to the employment objectives of my clients. Had I never experienced the rigors of unemployment, I would be hard-pressed to be empathetic about that which they struggle; bills unpaid, saying no to sons and daughters asking for allowances, cutting corners at the food market, and so much more. The fact is, I believe my clients have much more confidence in my expert abilities because there is evidence, I have “been there, done that.” Like me, there are multitudes of others whose careers dedicate to helping others. People seeking guidance usually deal with a professional, who helps with personal, social, or psychological problems; who gives advice on such matters as careers, education, or health or in a social setting, perhaps a friend, relative or coworker who is willing to give advice.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, rehabilitation counselors help people deal with the personal, social, and vocational effects of disabilities. They counsel people with both physical and emotional disabilities resulting from birth defects, illness or disease, accidents, or other causes. They evaluate the strengths and limitations of individuals, provide personal and vocational counseling, offer case management support, and arrange for medical care, vocational training, and job placement. Rehabilitation counselors interview both individuals with disabilities and their families, evaluate school and medical reports, and confer with physicians, psychologists, employers, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists to determine the capabilities and skills of the individual. They develop programs to develop job skills, to get jobs and to provide opportunity for community integration. Trained rehabilitation counselors recognize and help lessen environmental and attitudinal barriers. Methods may include providing education and advocacy services to individuals, families, employers, and others in the community. Rehabilitation counselors work toward increasing the capacity to live independently by facilitating and coordinating with other service providers.

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors accept the challenge of helping people who have problems with alcohol, drugs, gambling, and eating disorders. They assist them in identifying behaviors and problems related to their addiction. Counseling is generally on an individual basis, but when appropriate, group settings may provide added benefits such as crisis counseling. Trained counselors assist in developing personalized recovery programs to establish healthy behaviors and provide coping strategies. Often, counselors work with affected family members. Many counselors conduct programs and community outreach aimed at preventing addiction through education and seminars. Counselors “must” be able to recognize how addiction affects the entire person and those with whom their lives touch.

I am not an expert on the finite duties, knowledge and experience required to affect positive results for the areas above except for those involving job searching, careers and employment. However, of this, I am certain; counselors that have lived the experience or experiences for which they provide counseling are much more empathetic and understanding than if not.  Hearing and believing the words, “I understand how you feel” or “I know from where you come” is much more impacting when said by counselors and advisors that have “been there, done that.”

If personal experiences and motivations enhance your qualifications, presenting those driving factors within your cover letter and resume is essential. They are the kinds of information on which hiring authorities base hiring decisions. In fact, your entire interview strategy is best when such enhancements are the theme of your presentation. Be certain the resume service you choose is capable of introducing this important aspect within your cover letter and resume. It sets the stage for your “been there, done that” interview presentation.     

Jobs, and the Law of Averages

Quantum Mechanics

First published Wed Nov 29, 2000; substantive revision Tue Sep 1, 2009

Quantum mechanics is, at least at first glance and at least in part, a mathematical machine for predicting the behaviors of microscopic particles — or, at least, of the measuring instruments used to explore those behaviors — and in that capacity, it is spectacularly successful: in terms of power and precision, Quantum Mechanics is head-and-shoulders above any previous theory. Mathematically, QM is easy to understand. We know its parts, how they are put together, and why, in the mechanical sense (i.e., such as the number of wins the house will get at a roulette wheel), the whole thing performs the way it does, how the information that gets fed in at one end is converted into what comes out the other. READ MORE

For scientists, the question of what kind of a world it describes is, however, controversial.  But of a person's chances for employment, it seems as though QM is an accurate predictor of probability.

I am certain, after reading the above, your inclination is to reread it or discard it as poppycock. However, if you will cut me some slack, I will try to explain the relationship between the probabilities of Quantum Mechanics and the probabilities of getting a new job.

By now you must be thinking, “This dude is nuts.” Well, if so please humor me by reading on.

Slipping past all of the technical mumbo-jumbo, the essence of QM has much to do with the probabilities we deal with day to day. Such probabilities are inherent of State lotteries. Using the theory of QM, States calculate with surprising accuracy the number and amounts paid out to winners. They calculate these on daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. The science is so defined they can actually measure each game incorporating historical data. In fact, all forms of gambling are calculable with precision using QM. Its theory explains why bookies (bookmakers) tend to make more than they loose, casinos always yield profits and even neighborhood church bingo-nights earn predictable yields.

The roulette wheel, for example, has a 1 in 29-win probability for the player. For the house, the win probability is 29 to 1. Imagine 12 players placing bets on 12 different numbers. Should one player win, the house picks up the other 11 losses. It is surprising that using QM they may calculate with pinpoint accuracy how much revenue each game, each minute of everyday, week, month and year they will take in from gambling. It gets down to simple math and “The law of large numbers / "The law of averages."

Perhaps now you are ready to call-out the men in the white coats! Hold on now, read on; it is soon to make sense.

If the probability of throwing a double-6 with two dice is 1/36, then the more times we throw the dice, the closer, in proportion, will be the number of double-6s thrown of the total number of throws. That, of course, increases the probability or chances of a win. Well, the job search is theoretically similar.

The more resumes you send the better your chances of getting interviews. If you add to that an active networking agenda the chances increase significantly. It you add aggressive follow-ups and making cold calls to area businesses; well, by now you know the answer to that scenario too.

Ahh, but is it really, quite that simple? Let us travel back to the casino for a bit…

Mr. Trump, after gathering his expert’s scientific calculations realizes his nearest competitor, Bally’s Hotel and Casino, is stealing his thunder. He realizes he must do something to rekindle his revenue from gambling. According to QM, the probability factor is what it is. Therefore, his options are to do things that bring more patronage to his Trump Plaza Casino. Without examining particulars, Mr. Trump will set forth promotions and strategies designed to take business back from Bally’s and other area casinos. Although the law of averages remains in tact, revenue increases due to additional players. The magic wand here is in the value and consumer appeal of the promotions he implements.  And, after all is said and done, his competition will respond in-kind.     

So then, what has this to do with your job search? Consider that the law of averages attained from your efforts is a constant per your present activities, you too have competition; therefore, how can you steal their thunder? Like “The Don,” you may improve your advertising materials – your cover letter and resume. You might increase or improve upon your job search strategy by consulting professional coaches and advisors (Trump’s Marketing Team). If you are getting interviews, but are not getting offers, a bit of interview coaching may be in order.

My point is this; the Law of Averages when all things said and done are equal, is a scientific reality. However, there are no limits to what and how you may increase your own numbers (not probability). Remember, whether 1 of 20, 20 of 400 or 50 of 1000 and so on, the law of averages remains constant. The only manner in which you may increase interviews is by increasing either the “to” number or bettering the quality of your job seeking documents. Do both, and your numbers, not your odds,  increase exponentially.

 

Lori Pritchard asked, "When trying to create positive change, it often involves getting rid of things or people in your life who are causing more harm than good. What problem(s) you have experienced in breaking negative ties?"

About Lori Pritchard, PhD Candidate

Arnie Sherr wrote: Two words within your question are not part of my vocabulary, “problem” and “negative.” The word "negative" is perceptive at best. What is “negative” for one may be another’s positive. In determining if something or someone presents an unfavorable circumstance, it is important to assess one’s own contribution to that which we deem as “negative.”  I think a better description of such situations, relationships, or circumstance falls under the umbrella of compatibles or in the case of your question, incompatibles.

Separating one’s self from incompatibles is easily prosecuted and generally requires no explanation; that is, unless an explanation is requested. For example, if found in an employment situation for which the employee receives little or no appreciation, value or satisfaction; resignation may be in order. Crying foul and criticizing a previous employer is unjustified regardless of sour grape perceptions because, 1) serves no personal or professional purpose, and 2) such hostilities generally arise when situations are essentially incompatible. One person’s incompatibility may be another’s compatibility.       

 Breaking incompatible relationships offer other considerations, especially for those who embrace sensitivity. For people who are not sensitive to the needs of others, breaking “negative” ties is generally a mechanical process. If goodbyes in whatever form are tendered by insensitive people, and many times the absence of goodbyes is replaced by unexplained disappearance; they may be structured as “you can do better” or “I am not worthy of you”, patronizing reasons for escaping – coward/dishonest.

In all scenarios, whether breaking ties is easy or challenging, or is directly related to how one participated in the relationship. It matters not if the relationship is between two or more persons, an employer, or any group in which there are personal or professional ties. If one participated with integrity, sensitivity and sincerity, then viewing the breakaway as mere incompatibility is logical. On the contrary, if one participated in the relationship dishonestly, breaking away involves a series of challenges that include accepting responsibility for hurting someone or something; bearing the guilt and ramifications that may result. It is in these cases that those initiating the breaking of ties generally try to avoid guilt by deferring blame by telling the entity or person that, in whatever form, they are not worthy of the entities’ or person’s relationship.

Then there is the issue of “positive” change. Change is of the most unsettling mental weights. Most humans find change difficult to decide and if having made the decision, even more difficult to expedite. Often times, after change(s) has occurred, the “changer” regrets having done so. Therefore, I advise my clients when considering changing jobs or career paths to dig deep into the research aspect before acting upon what may be impulsive motivations. Most times reason for change relates to perceptions of “stress.” Once I make the point that there is no stress, only stressful thoughts, the conversation changes to “What can I do view things differently? Wayne Dyer PhD said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Ergo, if the relationship or situation appears “negative” or incompatible, is it really?  One person’s negative may be another’s positive.

Since it my experience that most make changes impulsively, my best advice is to slow the process and rethink the situation when emotions are uninvolved. Emotions distort reality; therefore, many find that what feels right when upset, hurt, angry or otherwise, is much less troubling after emotions have quelled.

But then, there is another side to the “change” coin.

“Why Change is so Hard”

Managing Change - Why Change is so Hard and What to Do about It

By Jack Zavada

Change is hard—so hard, in fact, that most of us avoid it at all costs.

By avoiding change, we create even bigger problems, such as lost opportunities, broken relationships, or sometimes a wasted life. Millions of people who need to change are drifting along with no real purpose, no joy, feeling as if they are traveling a dead end street.

I can relate. I have had to make some major changes in my life, and each time they were painful. I usually fought those changes until I reached my misery threshold, then I reluctantly did something rash to escape the bad situation. READ MORE

This is more reason to rethink and rethink; to be sure, it is not enough to merely want change, it must be right. Making change decisions are difficult and disconcerting whether right or wrong; however, wrong change decisions are doubly or more hurtful to all concerned. Therefore, being certain and second-guessing what appears as certainty is in order.

 

 

 

Keeping a Career Journal by Arnie Sherr

Here is a common at-work scenario. As Susan peruses her companies’ open opportunity postings, she comes across a vacancy at her store. “What d’ya know, they need an assistant store manager right here in my store.”

“So what is next; what do I do? I’d really like to apply and get that promotion.”   

Here is Sue’s challenge. She, like most, has not a clue as to how to go about applying for a promotion. Most think all they must do is ask their immediate supervisor or store manager to set up an interview with Human Resources, the District Manager or whomever.

Suppose one of those Sue asked, actually did set up an interview. What then? Sue is not alone in thinking that because she already works for the company and that they have her impressive employment record and her manager’s endorsement, it is a given. NOT!

Allow me to recant. There is always a slim chance for pre-selection; however, since Sue has no guarantee of getting the promotion she must approach this interview in exactly the same manner as she would a new job. Having said that, because Sue has a strong employment history with her employer, there are things she may do to improve her chances.

I wrote the previous scenario simply to make the point that had Sue, a career minded and dedicated employee, kept a Career Journal, improving her chances is a mute point.

Since Sue is, a career minded employee and because she understood the importance of being prepared, she made a habit of recording her workplace performance for this and the few jobs that preceded her present employment. Because she did, it is highly probable she is much more prepared than her competition.

Here are the kinds of records Sue kept in her Career Journal.

• Accomplishments over and above that include formal accommodations and those absent of physical or verbal, pats on the back. 
• Record of attendance, illustrating reasons for sick days and miscellaneous call-outs
• “Following” – a detailed list of repeat customers, accounts, clients, patients, etc. with whom she has developed exceptional rapport and loyalty
• Items and happenstance that demonstrate her participation in activities that help grow and sustain company morale (I.e., Workplace Environment Committee, Customer Appreciation Committee, etc.)   
• Took part in honoring other employees that made over and above accomplishments and achievement

Sue kept detailed records that proved her dedication, loyalty, abilities to work with and get along with subordinates, peers and superiors.

The impression Sue made by keeping and presenting her Career Journal had a much greater impact than its content. Moreover, the fact that she was organized and methodical enough to assemble her impressive Career Journal was what earned her the promotion; its content took second place.     

Main Street is fighting back; Bank of America, Sun Trust, Wells Fargo, Regions and JPMorgan, batten down your hatches, put up your dukes. The American People have had enough! by Arnie Sherr

Main Street is fighting back; Bank of America, Sun Trust, Wells Fargo, Regions and JPMorgan, batten down your hatches, put up your dukes. The American People have had enough!

Arnie Sherr September 30, 2011

Today CNN and The New York Times reported that Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Sun Trust, Regions and JPMorgan have committed to continue their unfair profit-bearing agenda to add to their bottom lines by raping the wallets of the hands that feed them by charging us monthly fees for using our debit cards.

Factually, America’s banks feel empowered to act as they wish without regard to the very people who made them what they are today. There are many ways, in which banks earn money. One, a very significant source of revenue is the millions of middle class deposits that create cash flows that enable banks to lend our monies at interest. Notwithstanding other methods, it was ‘runs-on-banks’ that closed some and nearly obliterated others during The Great Depression. It was an economic lesson that America’s banks seem to have forgotten.

True it is that we are not at an economic point where panic that will cause runs on banks; however, choosing to run collectively on the leader of this middle class raping, Bank of America, will tell the other banks that We the People are fed up with their selfish and greedy activities. I define them as treasonous acts against the American way of life, such as it is at present.   

It seems the Congress; in its purist of ways to control the banks unfair practices, has naively left doors open for them to navigate alternate routes.   In the end, Congress has once against demonstrated its lack of power. However, in spite of Congress’s ineffectiveness, there is a solution. That power is the ultimate sledgehammer.  The sledgehammer to which I refer has within it, the weight and power of the American people. You see, collective we have the power to close a bank or banks of our choosing.

To voice our objections, all we must do is line up at teller windows and ATMs and withdraw our monies, all of it until they concede; and I assure you they will, faster than they can say “help.”

It seems they feel so powerful that they have forgotten how strong and resilient The American People are.  

Last month I opened an account at PNC Bank and am in the process of closing both my personal and business accounts at Wells Fargo. They too are testing this egregious tactic in five states; Oregon, New Mexico, Nevada, Georgia and Washington. In addition, Wells Fargo has ignored the very meaning of “overdraft protection” and has taken to charging one-half the normal fee for insufficient funds, or $12.50. Certainly, any charge at all is not “protection” in any sense of the word. 

America, I urge you to rush to your bank if it is one the banks engaging in this debit card attack against our right to fair and equitable treatment. Withdraw your monies and close your accounts, all of them; savings, checking, money markets, etc. Close all accounts that won’t incur a penalty. This is the only way in which we may demonstrate our dissatisfaction and send the strongest of messages that We the People are America and we can, at will, place them and any company or corporation into the hands of the Bankruptcy Courts; banks in the hands of the Fed.    

VISIT YOUR NEAREST BANK OF AMERICA ($5.00), WELLS FARGO ($3.00), SUN TRUST ($5.00), REGIONS ($4.00) AND JPMORGAN ($3.00) BRANCHES AND TAKE IT OUT NOW.

IF ENOUGH OF US ACT RIGHT NOW, THE REST OF THE BANKS CONSIDERING THIS ATTEMPT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE, ONCE AGAIN, OF THE MIDDLE CLASS, WILL REFRAIN.

THEIR NEXT MOVE IS TO DO AWAY WITH FREE CHECKING

CONGRESS IS POWERLESS; THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE NOT!

ACT NOW!

Wells Fargo to test $3 a month debit card fee - Here is what I think!

From Arnie Sherr, CEO The Resume Store

Re: $3.00 Debit Card Surcharge to Users

Dear Patricia R. Callahan - Wells Fargo & Co., Chief Administrative Officer:

I realize as a small business owner located in Clearwater, FL with relatively small deposits in comparison to other WF small business customers that I have little if any influence with respect to bank policy and other decisions that affect the manner in which America's banks choose to do business.   However, in light of the disparaging realization that Wells Fargo, along with a few other banks, is embarking on another path that further impairs an already suffering middle class is cause for great concern.

At a time in America’s history when unemployment is at its highest in decades and recovery has been slowed by the actions of an immature Congress, imposing fees for the use of debit cards is not only an added burden to millions whose burdens are strenuous enough, it is destructive to small businesses nationwide. As a small business entrepreneur whose customers are mostly unemployed due to recent economic travesties and of them, the many who choose by necessity to pay for my resume writing and career coaching services with their debit cards will be further negatively impacted by yet another unnecessary, some would say greedy, money making tactic. 

America remains burdened with staggering numbers of unemployed Americans. Although, it is true that approximately 90 percent are employed (these are known of estimates) of which most will not be severely impacted by an addition $3.00 monthly charge, there are some 15 million for whom $3.00 may be the cost of a meal for them or the children. Let me reiterate; it is not that $3.00 is a tremendous burden on the majority; it is however, another of “who knows what” will come after.

I urge you to rethink this untimely initiative. America’s banks have earned the new regulation or protections passed by the Senate and Congress by taking part in what was the straw the “broke the camel’s back” and resulted in an economic tsunami unlike any since the Great Depression. Such initiatives, like charging bank customers for the use of their debit cards are like punishing the hero that saved your life. Irrespective of global earnings, the American people were and continue to be your biggest cash flow resource. It is theirs and the deposits of small businesses that create the cash flow banks lend at interest. Albeit, there are other sources of revenue for banks, it begins with the American people. In fact, as easily as the American people support yours and other banks in this great land, they can reduce your shares to penny stock values just as easily.

I urge you to reconsider such “I’ll get even with the new regulation and control” plans and get back to embracing the very resources, the America people, which are the prime reason for what Wells Fargo is today.

Thank you for taking the time to digest the above,

ARNOLD SHERR, CEO - The Resume Store 

______________________________________________________________

TELL WELLS FARGO HOW YOU FEEL.

PATRICIA R. CALLAHAN - Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer
Wells Fargo & Company - 420 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA, 94163

 

 

 

PATRICIA R. CALLAHAN
Senior Executive Vice President
Chief Administrative Officer
Wells Fargo & Company
420 Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA, 94163

Dear Patricia R. Callahan:
I realize as a small business owner located in Clearwater, FL with relatively small deposits in comparison to other WF small business customers that I have little if any influence with respect to bank policy and other decisions that affect the manner in which America's banks choose to do business. However, in light of the disparaging realization that Wells Fargo, along with a few other banks, is embarking on another path that further impairs an already suffering middle class is cause for great concern.

At a time in America’s history when unemployment is at its highest in decades and recovery has been slowed by the actions of an immature Congress, imposing fees for the use of debit cards is not only an added burden to millions whose burdens are strenuous enough, it is destructive to small businesses nationwide. As a small business entrepreneur whose customers are mostly unemployed due to recent economic travesties and of them, the many who choose by necessity to pay for my resume writing and career coaching services with their debit cards will be further negatively impacted by yet another unnecessary, some would say greedy, money making tactic.

America remains burdened with staggering numbers of unemployed Americans. Although, it is true that approximately 90 percent are employed (these are known of estimates) of which most will not be severely impacted by an addition $3.00 monthly charge, there are some 15 million for whom $3.00 may be the cost of a meal for them or the children. Let me reiterate; it is not that $3.00 is a tremendous burden on the majority; it is however, another of “who knows what” will come after.

I urge you to rethink this untimely initiative. America’s banks have earned the new regulation or protections passed by the Senate and Congress by taking part in what was the straw the “broke the camel’s back” and resulted in an economic tsunami unlike any since the Great Depression. Such initiatives, like charging bank customer for the use of their debit cards is like punishing the hero that saved your life. Irrespective of global earnings, the American people were and continue to be your biggest cash flow resource. It is theirs and the deposits of small businesses that create the cash flow banks lend at interest. Albeit, there are other sources of revenue for banks, it begins with the American people. In fact, as easily as the American people support yours and other banks in this great land, they can reduce your shares to penny stock values just as easily.

I urge you to reconsider such “I’ll get even with the new regulation and control” plans and get back to embracing the very resources, the America people, which are the prime reason for what Wells Fargo is today.

Thank you for taking the time to digest the above,

ARNOLD SHERR, CEO
The Resume Store

Negotiating high ticket sales (Theory only)

By Arnie Sherr, July 20, 2011

Rule #1: “Everyone that enters a place of business enters with the purpose of making a purchase or purchases; no ands, ifs, or buts.”

If your thinking is anything other than the above, you should be doing something else. If you are in complete agreement with the above, then it is time we move on to the theorem of and not the systematic procedural recipe for negotiating sales.

Be clear on one psychological characteristic; customers after making a negotiable purchase never tell another they were “sold.” Moreover, they will say they “bought.”  If they leave after signing the bottom line feeling as though they were “sold,” one of two things is certain to occur: 1) they will cancel or 2) the salesperson made little if any appreciable commission and quite possibly the result may be a cancellation as well.

Therefore, if a prospect departs without having made a purchase, presenting the excuse “they were just looking” or “were shopping around” is mythical.  If you really believe this, once again I suggest you seek another line of work.

There are several important steps within the process of negotiating a price driven sale; however, they are a subject of a different writing. This writing is to understand why customers choose to sign on the bottom line.  

Most declare price as the main reason for signing the bottom line or as in some cases the size of a payment. Although price is a strong motivator, it is never the ultimate reason for a successful purchase.

When a prospect enters a place of business to enter into what they understand is a negotiable process, they carry mental perceptions of distrust and/or accelerated tension. Most know the salesperson with whom the will negotiate has much more experience parleying price than do they. After all, such salespersons do so many times a week or month; they become somewhat proficient at manipulating the result. Few, irrespective of how confident they seem, are anything other than skeptical of the unknown, the artisan that is capable of engineering a big profit for themselves and the company, leaving the customer with the short end of the stick. If you, once again, believe anything other than this, you should investigate other career choices.  

Whether or not the salesperson is experienced negotiating sales, maintaining control is imperative. When the customer controls everyone looses, the salesperson, the customer and the company. Even if the company chose to meet the customer’s demands, the salesperson will have made little if any commission, and the company little or no profit. Generally, when companies do exceed to such offers, they do so for reasons other than immediate financial gratification such as relieving excess inventory or perhaps the item is question is taking up space better allocated to something else. If the salesperson is unable or lacks the potential to maintain control, they should be; well, you know the rest. 

Where “control” is concerned, please note that without the ability to build trust and rapport (interpersonal skills) the salesperson may as well turn this particular customer over to another salesperson. All too often a particular salesperson encounters a personality with whom establishing rapport and trust seems unlikely. Rather than sacrificing a potential sale because of “ego,” introducing such a prospect to another salesperson most times salvages the effort successfully. A split commission is better than the alternative.  

Without rapport and trust, the salesperson has no viable ability to turn the prospect’s tension/fear into desire. As I suggested above,” When a prospect enters a place of business to enter into what they understand is a negotiable process, they carry mental perceptions of distrust.” Such mental perceptions, although common, are reversible. Moreover, without having created within prospects a keen sense of desire, successful sales are impossibilities. 

Speaking of “desire”, desire is more than how bad the prospect wants the product in question, it is how much he or she likes and trusts the salesperson and likes and trusts the company. If after all things, including price are resolved and the salesperson asks, “How do you want to make payment, cash or check,” or “When do you want take delivery, now or is tonight better,” the answer is assumed to the affirmative.   

To summarize, many steps if adhered to enable the accomplishment of the theory of negotiating sales to desired ends. They include…

1. Greeting and Warm-up
2. Qualifying Process
3. Selection and Presentation
4. Negotiating Price and Terms
5. Handling Objections
6. The Close

These and other factors related to specific industries may be accessed by reading books such as Zig Ziglar’s “Closing the Sale” and related publications available on-line or at local book stores. 

 

Warren Buffett said - “I buy expensive suits. They just look cheap on me.”

“How does your suit look on you" or, perhaps it is better to ask, “How do you look in your suit?”

Essay by Arnie Sherr, President and CEO The Resume Store July 16, 2011

If the manner in which Warren Buffett looks in suits, relates to his remarkable wealth and successes, then it is reasonable that all whose suits look cheap are destined similarly. 

If we buy-into this absurdity, then is reasonable all whose cover letters and resumes look cheap (not representative of one’s qualifications and intrinsic value) are destined to receive equitable numbers of interview invitations.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result.”

Current reports of slowing jobs growth are not reports of no-growth. Therefore, refraining from seeking out your employment goals is unfounded. Joseph P. Kennedy said – “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

I will not address political influences simply because they are what they are, at least for the present. It is far better to accept what is and plan accordingly, not sacrificing positive attitudes and realistic goals. Having made that declaration, I would like to address how your resume looks on you or to paraphrase, how your resume makes you look.

A cheap or inadequate resume is not the vehicle for regaining employment; it is factually, a deterrent. Not even Warren Buffett can get a new job with a cheap resume. More to the point, an inferior or inadequately representative resume makes you look cheap or unqualified. In essence, “they don’t look cheap on you, they make you look cheap.” A viable comparison is Rupert Murdock’s present scandal. Since his remarkable wealth sets him part from those that seek jobs, were he to be seeking a job the current scandal certainly gives the appearance of a cheap suit.

Understanding that you are not or have never been the subject to a global scandal, presenting cover letters and resumes that make you look bad is not a recipe for earning invitations to interview, let alone offers of employment.

If this is the case, it is quite possible that a talented a reliable tailor can make you look good in your suit. Likewise, if you want a resume that makes you look good, then retaining the services of a talented and reliable resume service is in order.    

 

 

Employment is flat; experts say growth is the solution.

Editorial by Arnie Sherr, July 9, 2011

Is it such a big secret? Unemployment is flat and you do not understand why! Well, it is relatively simple.

Most will suggest companies are not hiring; others, gas is too expensive, and yet still others will say, “You know what, I don’t give a $#%&T!” Well, if you ask me it is none of those things. Nope, not even the debt ceiling; well, not directly, anyway.  

Let me ask you a question, what happens on Wall Street when investors feel enthused? Does the market fall or does it grow? Investors react positively to good news and negatively to bad news. Make sense? And, what kinds of news causes their frequent ups and downs? 

Here is one for sure; the closer it gets to August 2^nd without a debt limit agreement, the probability that global markets will experience severe downturns is all but guaranteed. Conversely, the sooner they come to an agreement, irrespective if the content of said agreement, the markets will rally.  In other words, good begets good and bad; oh’ well, you know what I mean.

On a comparative basis, when good things happen, the American people react positively and conversely when bad things happen, they react negatively. It is not so much about the substance of the happening as it about the nature of the happening. Golly gee, it sounds exactly like Wall Street. 

Well my friends, it is; it is exactly like Wall Street. Only to define this in a single word, I suggest the only word that fundamentally fits is ““confidence”.”

When the American people and the investors on Wall Street feel good they spend, invest or whatever synonyms you wish to apply. And, what happens when confident people spend? They buy stuff. And, what happens when the sales of stuff increases? Ah, the companies that manufacture and/or distribute all of the stuff that confident consumers are buying must increase the size of their workforces to meet the growing demand. Is not that what the stimulus package did? Yes, but it was not “confidence” that drove consumer spending, it was a government handout.  Therefore, what happened when the government gifts were spent, saved or pigeonholed for a rainy day or whatever, the temporary demand for goods and services went south. Americans will, of course, take hand-outs; however, what we really want is a permanent solution. Might that be solution be as simple as growth. Growth is not a product of spending cuts, not a product of tax breaks or increases; growth is that which results as revenue from employment. Working people pay federal income tax, state and local taxes, real estate and school taxes and more. Working people fund social security for today's recipients and Medicare; they donate to charities, use public transportation and drive the economy by spending that which they earn. This is Growth. This is the only way in which America can pay its debts. This is the only way America can balance its budget. It is all about revenue or cash flow.    

Stimulus funds, like “confidence” are only effective if they continue. However, with America’s record debt and a difficult to balance budget, continuing stimulus handouts is totally off the table. But “confidence”; well, in reality “confidence” is free. You cannot buy or sell “confidence.” You may, however, give it to everyone. Just as easily as it is given, it may be withdrawn. But, why would anyone want to take away the fuel that is certain to drive us out of our economic dilemma by fueling growth? Beats me, so why don’t we ask the people that have the power to give the gift of “confidence”? There are 535 of them and they live on the Hill. They and only they have the power to give unlimited “confidence” to the American people. And while they are at it, why stop there, they can just as well give it people all around the world. After all, what happens here doesn’t stay here, it resonates all around the world, hurting or healing just like on Wall Street.

I am going to stop here because I know my readers understand what the “535” must do to restore and maintain ““confidence”.” However, if you would like to express your ideas, you may do so by commenting below. I would love to hear your thoughts. So would you local Congress-persons and Senators. While you are at it, tell them too. Here is how to contact yours. CLICK HERE